Apple Watch Water Resistance: Up to 1 Metre Underwater, Up to 30 Minutes

Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly told employees in Berlin the Apple Watch is shower proof, leading some to hope the watch would be more water resistant than what was already known.

With today’s new Apple Watch info on Apple’s website, the fine print on the wearable’s Health and Fitness page notes the following:

*Apple Watch is splash and water resistant but not waterproof. You can, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise, in the rain, and while washing your hands, but submerging Apple Watch is not recommended. Apple Watch has a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529. The leather bands are not water resistant.

Screenshot 2015 03 09 19 28 19

According to IPX7 standards, that means the Apple Watch should be able to withstand incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Apple says submersion is not recommended. While I’m not sure Apple Watch Edition wearers would want to put this to the test, the bottom line is it’ll be okay to get your watch wet—just don’t take it swimming.

Compared to other smart watches, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S is IP67 certified, which means on top of being water resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, it’s also dust proof. The original Pebble is certified to be 5 ATM, which means it is suitable for swimming but not diving.

Note to self: take your Apple Watch off before swimming, diving or heading into the shower.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.